The Directors' Wall

The 1982 teen sex comedy Losin’ It put Curtis Hanson back in the director’s chair for a movie that was actually released in theaters (unlike some of Hanson’s previous projects). Today, Losin’ It is most notable as Tom Cruise’s first starring role, but neither Cruise or Hanson spoke kindly of the film, on the rare occasions either talked about it at all. Bryan and A.J. discuss how the screenplay doesn’t live up to the potential of the talent involved, where Losin’ It fits in the career trajectories of the cast and crew, and how it compares to other 80’s teen sex comedies (surprisingly tame, especially compared to the notorious Porky’s (1981)). Tangents include: From Dusk Till Dawn (1996), what Mad Men taught us about how to get a divorce, and proposing a double feature of Losin’ It and Eyes Wide Shut (1999). This episode’s drink was: Margaritas.

Sofia Coppola’s debut feature, The Virgin Suicides (2000), certainly stood out from other movies about teenagers when it was released and remains just as enigmatic today giving us a lot to talk about. Bryan and A.J. discuss the movie’s background (including the Making Of, directed by Sofia’s mother, the late Eleanor Coppola), its arthouse approach to teenagers on film, and the great performances from Kirsten Dunst, Josh Hartnet, and Giovanni Ribisi’s moody, pensive narration. Other discussion points include: the original music by the band Air, similarities to Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975), and the peculiar list that is Cahiers du Cinema’s ten best films of 2000. We also briefly discuss Sofia’s blink and you miss it appearance in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999) and the Air: Playground Love music video she co-directed with her brother, Roman. This episode’s themed drink was: Peach Schnapps.

75. The Journeyman: Curtis Hanson #7: Losin' It (1982)

56. Coppola Cast Redux: Sofia #2: The Virgin Suicides (2000), Playground Love (2000), Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)